Mechanical properties of 3D printed polycaprolactone honeycomb structure

Abstract

ABSTRACT Polycaprolactone is well known as a healing agent material in crack self‐healing applications but not as a structural material. In this study, the focus is on the durability and energy absorption of honeycomb structure made from polycaprolactone through three‐dimensional (3D) printing. The mechanical behavior of honeycomb structures was investigated through in‐plane quasi‐static compression tests at temperatures of 5 °C, room temperature (22 °C), and 40 °C. Energy absorption efficiency and energy absorption capability at different temperatures and in different loading directions was investigated according to the selected stepping upward stress. The “shape recovery” ratio after compression deformation was calculated. The results reveal that the polymeric honeycomb structure has exceptional repeatability under compressive loads. Specimens with relative density 0.20 showed high energy absorption capability, up to 0.988 J cm −3 . After the removal of compression loads, specimens recovered up to 80% after the first deformation and up to 70% after the fifth deformation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135 , 46018.